Victor Hugo, born on February 26, 1802, in Besançon, France, and died on May 22, 1885, in Paris, was a pivotal figure in French literature and politics. He is celebrated for his work in poetry, drama, and novels, which played a significant role in the Romanticism movement in France.
Victor-Marie Hugo was the third son of Joseph Léopold Sigisbert Hugo, a general in Napoleon's army, and Sophie Trébuchet. His early life was marked by frequent moves due to his father's military career, influencing his cosmopolitan outlook. His mother, a staunch royalist, and his father, a supporter of Napoleon, provided Hugo with a politically diverse background, which later influenced his writings and political stance.
Hugo's political views shifted from conservative royalism to republicanism. He was elected to the French National Assembly in 1848 and opposed Louis Napoleon's coup in 1851, which led to his exile. During his exile on Guernsey, he continued to write, producing works like Napoléon le Petit (1852) and Les Châtiments (1853), where he expressed his opposition to Napoleon III.
After Napoleon III's fall, Hugo returned to France, where he was received as a national hero. His later works focused on social justice, human rights, and the abolition of capital punishment. His funeral in 1885 was a massive event, with over two million people attending, reflecting his immense influence on French culture and society.
Victor Hugo's legacy extends beyond literature; he was instrumental in shaping French republicanism and the literary landscape of his time. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and his influence can be seen in modern media, from stage adaptations to film.